by Jacques Bérubé
No matter how you view it, you'd never guess simply by looking at Montreal’s skyline that beneath the downtown core lies among the most extensive network of covered galleries in the world: over 32 kilometres of passageways connect 63 buildings, 2,000 shops, 8 subway stations, 10 major hotels and 9 university buildings. It’s so vast that you need a map to find your way around! [photo credit: iStock]
Even underground, you'll have access to Montreal’s world-famous selection of restaurants. From fast food to veggie fare, such as at Laitue & Go, it's easy to eat well underground! Other choices include: Greek cuisine at Neos Cuzina; Szechuanese at Mr Ma in Place Ville-Marie; Italian at Ros&lina in Le 1000 de la Gauchetière, and food by such well-known local chefs as Gilles St-Hilaire at Restaurant 9-4-10 in the Bell Centre. Feeling slightly more adventurous? There’s also the Occitan fare of Osco! located in the Montreal World Trade Centre, as well as Place Deschamps Bar à Vin in the Place des Arts.
Without ever setting foot outdoors you can discover Quebec's innovative architecture at theMaison de l’architecture du Québec, enjoy some artful masterpieces at The Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal and take a mind-blowing journey into the past by visiting the Musée Grévin, a one-of-a-kind wax museum experience. You'll even find even a Chinese bookstore, Sinomono, at the Guy-Favreau tower.
Montreal's underground network also leads to several entertainment venues, including Place des Arts, where music, concerts and plays are held, and Cinéma Banque Scotia Montréal, home to at least 13 movie screens, party rooms and more.
Each year in March, the Art Souterrain festival transforms the passageways of the underground city into a contemporary art gallery to awaken and re-ignite the imagination of the many thousands of people who traipse through, often too absorbed by their daily routines to take in their surroundings.
The subway itself is like an enormous art gallery. Whether it's Frédéric Back's painted glass mural at the Place des Arts station; Jean-Paul Mousseau’s flowing circles on the platform walls of Peel station; Jean Mercier's murals at Édouard-Montpetit; or that of Judith Klein at the Jean-Talon station.
More than 250 musicians, represented by MusiMétro, entertain passers-by with a variety of musical styles including classical, folk, Quebec, Latin and African. From time to time and for special events, you might even stumble across the Montreal Symphony Orchestra or the Accueil Bonneau choir.
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In summer and winter alike, you can skate at the Atrium Le 1000 , train at the Guy-Favreau YMCA and, of course, go see the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. In the month of February, as part of the fête du Montréal intérieur et souterrain (Montreal Indoor and Underground Festival), a 5 km foot race takes place in the major passageways. Runners have to go up and down more than 1000 steps.
This coming season you'll have access to: The Montreal Book Fair; Montreal Craft Show; The Camping, Hunting and Fishing Show; The Boat and Water Sports Show; The Motorcycle Show, – not to mention the Wedding Show! All of which will take place either at Place Bonaventure or the Palais des congrès de Montréal.
Montreal’s underground passageways open directly into several of the top centres of learning, namely Dawson College, Concordia University and The Université du Québec à Montréal (UQÀM). And if you're wanting somewhere to read and think, take a look around the Grande Bibliothèque,
Underground Montreal is also a huge shopping mall, connected by the metro and suburban trains. There are even several car parks.Although all of the big brand names have a storefront on the street, there are also a few specialty shops to be discovered, such as l’Autre Couture – créateurs d’ici in thePromenades Cathédrale, which offers clothing, accessories and jewellery by designers like Luco Marion, Pascale Labelle, Caroline Arbour and glass bowties by Adoré Soufflé; Zyeu Optometrists, which offers custom eyeglass frames; and if you're still bored, you'll find a giant selection of board games at Jeux Divertioz in Complexe Desjardins or electronic games and consoles at EB Games in Complexe les Ailes.
At least nine major hotels are accessible via underground network, including the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, the InterContinental Montreal, the Marriott Château Champlain and the Hyatt Regency, all downtown, close to the business district and main tourist attractions.
Want to discuss investment strategy with your partners in a relaxed and discreet setting? Have an aperitif with customers in a chic lounge or enjoy a romantic dinner with your sweetheart? Whether it's chic XO Le Restaurant in Hôtel Le St-James, or the Wunderbar or the Plateau Lounge at Hôtel W Montréal, you're sure to find the perfect out-of-the-ordinary place you're looking for.
Underground Montreal is full of surprises. Just walk a little slower and you'll be amazed at the things you discover. Soles worn through? Broken heel? Did you know that there's even a shoe repair shop in the waiting room at Central Station?
